Slough Borough Council's Children's Director

E = Essential; D = DesirablePerson Specification
Strategic Director, Education & Children's Services

Experience

1.1 Extensive and varied experience as a senior manager at either Director or Assistant Director level in either education management or children's services management. E

1.2 Experience in both functions D

1.3 Experience of contributing to cross-Council projects and policy delivery D

1.4 Track record of innovation in determining and realising objectives in education services and/or children's services. E

1.5 Success in building and leading teams and acting in partnership with others. E

1.6 Record of successfully developing and implementing strategies addressing major corporate issues and best value. D

1.7 Record of achievement in promoting service improvement and in customer care. E

1.8 Working within and understanding diverse communities. D

Knowledge

2.1 Major challenges and opportunities facing education and children's services and local government. E

2.2 Aims and objectives of legislative and regulatory framework within which education and children's services operate. E

2.3 A clear understanding of budget management, Best Value and performance management. E

2.4 Knowledge of the current major challenges and policy issues facing local government D

Key Competencies

3.1 Leadership skills to inspire commitment from teams and individuals in the directorate, schools and throughout the Council together with the ability to motivate and develop staff and foster a positive organisational culture. E

3.2 A well developed strategic perspective, creatively applied in response to a range of learning and children's services and corporate issues. E

3.3 Lateral thinking used to develop creative solutions to partnership working and management issues and creating ownership of these amongst key audiences. E

3.4 Understands and applies Best Value principles to ensure the most cost-effective outcomes are achieved within limited resources. E

3.5 Has the personal credibility and interpersonal skills to work appropriately and effectively with politicians, governors, headteachers, key stakeholders, government representatives and colleagues. E

3.6 Draws logical conclusions from the analysis and interpretation of complex textual, financial and numerical information. E

3.7 Communicates clearly, simply and effectively. Can influence a wide range of audiences. E

3.8 Manages change and conflicting and competing priorities effectively. E

3.9 Resilience and drive to meet the demands and pressures of the post including the ability to cope effectively at times of crisis. E

3.10 A strong team player at Corporate Management level through a collaborative approach and solution orientated. E

3.11 Committed to social inclusion and to equality of opportunity in employment and service delivery. E

3.12 Applies ICT solutions to improve service delivery. D

Qualifications

4.1 Degree or equivalent level of demonstrable attainment. E

4.2 Evidence of continuous professional development. E

4.3 Management qualifications e.g. DMS or MBA. D

Experience
1.1	Extensive and varied experience as a senior manager at either Director or Assistant Director level in either education management or children's services management.	E
1.2	Experience in both functions	D
1.3	Experience of contributing to cross-Council projects and policy delivery	D
1.4	Track record of innovation in determining and realising objectives in education services and/or children's services.	E
1.5	Success in building and leading teams and acting in partnership with others.	E
1.6	Record of successfully developing and implementing strategies addressing major corporate issues and best value.	D
1.7	Record of achievement in promoting service improvement and in customer care.	E
1.8	Working within and understanding diverse communities.	D

Knowledge
2.1	Major challenges and opportunities facing education and children's services and local government.	E
2.2	Aims and objectives of legislative and regulatory framework within which education and children's services operate.	E
2.3	A clear understanding of budget management, Best Value and performance management.	E
2.4	Knowledge of the current major challenges and policy issues facing local government	D

Key Competencies
3.1	Leadership skills to inspire commitment from teams and individuals in the directorate, schools and throughout the Council together with the ability to motivate and develop staff and foster a positive organisational culture.	E
3.2	A well developed strategic perspective, creatively applied in response to a range of learning and children's services and corporate issues.	E
3.3	Lateral thinking used to develop creative solutions to partnership working and management issues and creating ownership of these amongst key audiences.	E
3.4	Understands and applies Best Value principles to ensure the most cost-effective outcomes are achieved within limited resources.	E
3.5	Has the personal credibility and interpersonal skills to work appropriately and effectively with politicians, governors, headteachers, key stakeholders, government representatives and colleagues.	E
3.6	Draws logical conclusions from the analysis and interpretation of complex textual, financial and numerical information.	E
3.7	Communicates clearly, simply and effectively. Can influence a wide range of audiences.	E
3.8	Manages change and conflicting and competing priorities effectively.	E
3.9	Resilience and drive to meet the demands and pressures of the post including the ability to cope effectively at times of crisis.	E
3.10	A strong team player at Corporate Management level through a collaborative approach and solution orientated.	E
3.11	Committed to social inclusion and to equality of opportunity in employment and service delivery.	E
3.12	Applies ICT solutions to improve service delivery.	D

Qualifications
4.1	Degree or equivalent level of demonstrable attainment.	E
4.2	Evidence of continuous professional development.	E
4.3	Management qualifications e.g. DMS or MBA.	D